Early microrecanalization of vas deferens following biodegradable graft implantation in bilaterally vasectomized rats

Christopher M Simons; Barry R De Young; Thomas S Griffith; Timothy L Ratliff; Erin Jones; Surya K Mallapragada; Moshe Wald

doi:10.1038/aja.2008.8

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Early microrecanalization of vas deferens following biodegradable graft implantation in bilaterally vasectomized rats

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Early microrecanalization of vas deferens following biodegradable graft implantation in bilaterally vasectomized rats

Christopher M Simons, Barry R De Young, Thomas S Griffith, Timothy L Ratliff, Erin Jones, Surya K Mallapragada and Moshe Wald

Asian journal of andrology, Vol.11(3), pp.373-378

04/2009

DOI: 10.1038/aja.2008.8

PMCID: PMC3735297

PMID: 19349949

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Abstract

We evaluated a biodegradable graft for reconstruction of rat vasa deferentia with long obstructed or missing segments. A total of 47 Sprague-Dawley rats underwent bilateral vasectomy and were divided into groups according to length of the vas deferens affected (0.5, 1, 1.5 cm). After 8 weeks, poly-( D,L -lactide) (PDLA) grafts were used to reconnect the vas deferens. Grafts and adjoining vasa deferentia were excised 8 and 12 weeks later and evaluated microscopically. At 8 weeks, microscopic changes included a robust inflammatory response around the grafts. All grafts were still intact but in the early stages of degradation. No microtubules, indicative of vas deferens recanalization, were identified. One specimen showed evidence of healing and neovascularization at the interface zone between the vas deferens and the graft. At 12 weeks, grafts were further degraded but still present. Microscopic evaluation showed decreased inflammation. Seven specimens showed neovascularization at the interface zone; two of these showed distinct epithelialized vas deferens microcanals at the graft edges. One specimen showed a microcanal spanning the entire 0.5-cm graft. A time period of 8 weeks is not ample enough for vas deferens regeneration in the setting of a biodegradable PDLA graft; however, early evidence of re-growth was seen at 12 weeks. A longer healing time should permit further biodegradation of the graft, as well as re-growth and possible eventual reconnection of the vas deferens, allowing passage of sperm. These findings suggest a potential role for biodegradable grafts in the reconstruction of vas deferens with long obstructed segments.

Infertility

vas deferens

graft

Original

male

Details

Title: Subtitle: Early microrecanalization of vas deferens following biodegradable graft implantation in bilaterally vasectomized rats
Creators: Christopher M Simons - , Iowa City, IA 52242-1089
Barry R De Young - , Iowa City, IA 52242-1089
Thomas S Griffith - , Iowa City, IA 52242-1089
Timothy L Ratliff - , Iowa City, IA 52242-1089
Erin Jones - , Ames, IA
Surya K Mallapragada - , Ames, IA
Moshe Wald - , Iowa City, IA 52242-1089
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Asian journal of andrology, Vol.11(3), pp.373-378
DOI: 10.1038/aja.2008.8
PMID: 19349949
PMCID: PMC3735297
NLM abbreviation: Asian J Androl
ISSN: 1008-682X
eISSN: 1745-7262
Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
Alternative title: Biodegradable grafts for microrecanalization
Language: English
Date published: 04/2009
Academic Unit: Urology
Record Identifier: 9984051576602771

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